Electric or automatic gates are growing increasingly popular for many residencies. Not only are they attractive, enhancing the curb appeal of the property, but electric gates are easy-to-use and also enhance security.
Automatic gates come in a wide range of styles, materials, and operating methods, all of which impact the final cost of the project. The average cost range to install an electric gate is between $3,000 to $12,000, with most homeowners paying around $7,000 for a single,12-foot automatic gate fully installed.
Electric Gate Installation Costs | |
---|---|
National average cost | $7,000 |
Average range | $3,000-$12,000 |
Minimum cost | $3,000 |
Maximum cost | $12,000 |
Like manual gates, electric gates can be made of several different materials. Each has its pros and cons to consider when deciding which may be right for your project:
Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
($200-$1,100) | Inexpensive Low-maintenance Will not rust or rot | Not as durable May crack in cold weather May warp in hot weather |
Wood ($300-$4,000) | Strong Many options to choose from Enhances curb appeal | High-maintenance Requires frequent painting or staining Susceptible to moisture Susceptible to insects |
Wrought iron ($600-$4,000) | Durable Many options to choose from Versatile | Expensive More difficult to install Heavy |
Steel ($600-$4,000) | Durable Low-maintenance Versatile | Expensive Heavy Not as many options |
Aluminum ($1,800-$4,100) | Durable Lightweight Low-maintenance | Very expensive Not as many options May dent |
Like manual gates, electric gates come in a variety of styles and ways that they operate. Some are impacted by the grade or slope of the entryway. For example, swing gates are the most popular system, but if you have a steep hill beyond the gate, it may impede the swing, which would mean that a slide-style gate is a better option.
Gates break down into 5 general categories: slide gates, swing gates, ram gates, vertical pivot gates, and underground systems. Slide and swing gates break down further into different systems:
Gate style | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Barrier gates ($100-$500) | Inexpensive Fast to install | Unattractive Does not offer security |
Card-based entry ($100-$900) | Can activate and deactivate individual cards | Difficult to install Expensive Need to maintain all the cards and access |
Keypad entry ($120-$600) | No physical key is required Can be integrated with larger security systems | Difficult to remember the code Need protection from the weather Requires power or battery backup to operate |
Slide V track ($500-$3,000) | Common Reliable Many options | Not a good fit in areas with snow and ice Requires additional space to each side |
Slide rear pipe ($500-$3,000) | Inexpensive Easily converted from manual to automatic | Requires additional space on each side Not as attractive Installer needs to know particulars of the gate |
Single swing ($500-$3,000) | Easy-to-use | Driveway must be perfectly flat Size is restricted |
Vertical pivot ($500-$4,000) | Very secure Good option when not enough room Moves straight up | Not as attractive Fewer options for design Difficult to install |
Slide cantilever ($1,000-$4,000) | Good for areas with snow and ice Easy-to-use | Requires much more space than any other sliding gate |
Double swing ($1,000-$4,000) | More size options Easy-to-use | Driveway must be perfectly flat |
RV gate ($1,000-$9,000) | Wide enough to fit your RV Privacy | Expensive May not be allowed in some HOAs |
Uphill swing ($2,000-$4,000) | Can be used on driveways with a hill | Very difficult to install Difficult to operate Limited on slope options |
Lift and swing ($2,000-$6,000) | Can be used on driveways with a hill More slope options Good for use with snow and ice | Expensive Difficult to install |
Underground system ($2,000-$6,000) | Unobtrusive option for mechanism Works with many styles and materials | Difficult to reach for repairs Difficult to install Expensive |
The mechanism that opens the gate varies from model to model. Many are controlled by battery, but the actual mechanism of the opener is generally either electromechanical or hydraulic. Electromechanical openers are more common. They can be electric, solar, or battery-operated and may rely on sensors, remote control, or a push button to operate. They work mostly on swing-style gates but can also work in sliding gates. They cost between $250 to $600 on average.
Hydraulic gate openers are less common, being used on uphill and lift-and-swing-style gates primarily. They may also operate by sensor 2 or remote control and cost around $450 - $3,000 on average.
Electronic residential gates require motors and a power supply to operate. Motor prices vary considerably based on several factors, including the gate style, size, and operating factors. For example, gates open at different speeds, and a motor must handle the speeds to open and close. Complicated models, such as the cantilever design, need large and expensive motors to operate. Motors cost $800 - $4,500 on average.
The installation of an automatic gate varies tremendously based on the type and style of gate and system as well as the material. In most cases, however, the biggest part of the installation cost will be the posts that hold the gate in place on either side. From there, it depends largely on the type of gate and its style and material. Sliding gates require tracks and special wheels, while swing gates require hinges 2. The actual mechanism needs to be set up, and in many cases, the sensor will need to be set and calibrated or the remote set up so that the gate can operate. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and style of the gate.
The labor portion of an electronic gate install is often two-fold. First, there is the installation of the gate itself. This costs between $750 and $1,800, depending on the material and size of the gate. Then, there is often an additional cost for the automated system installation, which depending on the method being used can cost another $1,500 to $3,000. The more involved the setup, the higher the costs. For example, a vertical pivot gate made of steel with a sensor 3 will cost more to install than a vinyl 1 gate with a remote control.
It is not necessary for a gate to be electric. Manual gates are also an option for many properties and, typically, cost significantly less. However, electric gates have pros and cons.
With electric gates, you do not need to exit the car when driving through them. They are activated by remote control, voice, sensor 4, or keypad among other options. So, they are typically faster to open than manual gates. Because some security gates and double gates can be heavy, an electric gate is also easier to use because it does not require any physical exertion to open or close. They may also be more secure than manual gates by not opening except by a designated code or device.
However, they are more expensive to purchase and sometimes more costly to install. If the battery that operates the gate fails, due to lack of charge for example, the gate could remain frozen open or shut. When this happens, it is difficult to operate manually.
Repairs to an electric gate can be costly, so pay attention every time you operate the gate. At the first sign of trouble, check if there is anything in the way of the gate, if the power source is operational, or if the gate is making an unusual sound. If those things are fine, it is best to have a technician take a look. With an hourly rate of $30 - $80 per hour, diagnostics is fairly simple. What is wrong determines whether to repair or replace your gate. If the gate is working well for you and it is a minor fix, keep it. If the issue is a new motor, then consider upgrading.
It is recommended that you have maintenance done on your gate at least once per year. Items on the list should include checking the wiring for damage, lubing all of the moving components, and performing a complete test of the system. Some things you can check yourself, such as making sure your gate is operating smoothly, oiling the hinges, and checking if the power supply works. Other things like electrical components and syncing to your home security system should be done by a professional.
Some gates are operated remotely, which means that the driver of the car will need to be able to communicate via intercom 4 to the operator. Adding voice communication to your gate adds around $200 to the cost.
If you have a very long driveway or live in a remote setting away from an immediate power source, solar-powered automatic gates are a great option. With kits ranging from $260 - $800, there is one for every budget.
Gates with Emergency Personnel Access allow first responders to come through the gate with no delay. Costs range from $50 - $75 for a simple lockbox to $500 or more for an access system with emergency access features tied into your home security system. Adding this feature provides peace of mind that you are protected in case of a fire or medical emergency.
A camera can be added to the gate for around $80 that will let someone inside see who is approaching.
Your gate will require columns on either side to support it. If you want to enhance the look of the gate, you can make these masonry columns for a cost of between $11 and $13 per foot of brick or stone.
While gates are often automated for cars, they may not be the best option for pedestrians. In this case, you may want to add a separate gate or access point for pedestrians. These cost an additional $200 to $600.
The average person spends around $7,000 on installing an electric gate made of steel with a sliding mechanism.
If you are installing a new gate, the cost is around $6,900, but if you are automating an existing gate, the cost ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
Installing an automatic gate opening system on an existing gate costs between $1,500 and $3,000.
Each municipality has different rules governing automatic gate installation. Always check with your local town or city hall.
In most cases, yes, converting an existing gate to an automatic one ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
A driveway gate can increase your property value by up to $50,000 by adding curb appeal and providing a sense of security.
By reducing the chance of theft or vandalism, a gate can play a factor in reducing the amounts required to insure your home.
Automatic gates average 10 to 18 feet in width, available in many models and styles. Measure carefully to ensure that your cars, RVs, and delivery vehicles can drive through.
Gates have a manual override in case of power outages or failures. There is often a release or a key that is needed, and then the gate can be moved by hand.
Cost to install an electric gate varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.